Chandra, Torch of Defiance MTG Card


Chandra Torch of Defiance enhances decks with card advantage and mana acceleration, enabling potent spellcasting earlier. While versatile and strong in meta, the card may be restrictive in decks not focused on red mana. Effectively countering Chandra requires strategic use of control spells such as Negate or Hero’s Downfall.
Card setsReleased in 8 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost4
RarityMythic
TypeLegendary Planeswalker — Chandra
Loyalty 4

Text of card

+1: Exile the top card of your library. You may cast that card. If you don't, Chandra, Torch of Defiance deals 2 damage to each opponent. +1: Add to your mana pool. −3: Chandra, Torch of Defiance deals 4 damage to target creature. −7: You get an emblem with "Whenever you cast a spell, this emblem deals 5 damage to target creature or player."


Cards like Chandra, Torch of Defiance

Chandra, Torch of Defiance is a versatile Planeswalker card in MTG, which stands out against related units such as Sarkhan, Unbroken. Both are dynamic multi-powerhouse cards, yet differ in key aspects. Sarkhan, Unbroken’s strength lies in creating Dragon tokens and adding mana of any color, a feature Chandra, Torch of Defiance lacks. Nevertheless, it compensates with its unique power allowing players to cast an extra spell or increase mana pool.

Sharing a thematic likeness with Koth of the Hammer, another fiery Planeswalker, Chandra does shine brighter. Both excel in ramping up your offensive power, but Chandra’s flexibility trumps Koth’s specific focus on Mountain-centered decks. Chandra caters to a broader audience with its adaptability to different deck builds.

Contrasted with Jace, the Mind Sculptor, Chandra’s diversity in power selection is evident. Jace’s ability selection leans towards manipulation of players’ libraries, whereas Chandra ensures damage can be dealt, cards can be drawn, or mana can be created, rendering her a more flexible choice.

In sum, Chandra, Torch of Defiance posits a competitive edge amongst Planeswalker cards in MTG due to the capability to adapt to varying game situations.

Koth of the Hammer - MTG Card versions
Jace, the Mind Sculptor - MTG Card versions
Koth of the Hammer - MTG Card versions
Jace, the Mind Sculptor - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Chandra, Torch of Defiance by color, type and mana cost

Zariel, Archduke of Avernus - MTG Card versions
Chandra, Fire Artisan - MTG Card versions
Jaya, Fiery Negotiator - MTG Card versions
Chandra, Pyromaster - MTG Card versions
Koth of the Hammer - MTG Card versions
Chandra, the Firebrand - MTG Card versions
Daretti, Scrap Savant - MTG Card versions
Chandra, Gremlin Wrangler - MTG Card versions
Chandra, Novice Pyromancer - MTG Card versions
Sarkhan, Wanderer to Shiv - MTG Card versions
Koth, Fire of Resistance - MTG Card versions
Zariel, Archduke of Avernus - MTG Card versions
Chandra, Fire Artisan - MTG Card versions
Jaya, Fiery Negotiator - MTG Card versions
Chandra, Pyromaster - MTG Card versions
Koth of the Hammer - MTG Card versions
Chandra, the Firebrand - MTG Card versions
Daretti, Scrap Savant - MTG Card versions
Chandra, Gremlin Wrangler - MTG Card versions
Chandra, Novice Pyromancer - MTG Card versions
Sarkhan, Wanderer to Shiv - MTG Card versions
Koth, Fire of Resistance - MTG Card versions

Decks using this card

MTG decks using Chandra, Torch of Defiance. Dig deeper into the strategy of decks, sideboard cards, list ideas and export to play in ARENA or MOL.

#NameFormatArchetypeEvent
Land DestructionLand Destruction ModernLand DestructionModern Challenge 64 2024-04-07 (1)
Mono-Red AggroMono-Red Aggro GladiatorGladiator Proving Grounds: Week 14 2024
Gruul MidrangeGruul Midrange ModernGruul MidrangeModern League 2024-04-12
Rakdos MidrangeRakdos Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 14 2024
Gruul PrisonGruul Prison VintageRed PrisonVintage Challenge 32 2024-04-27
Temur MidrangeTemur Midrange GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: EMEA Week 14 2024
Boros MidrangeBoros Midrange PioneerBoros Midrange*HALF PRICE FRIDAY* ReCQ - Pioneer - SCG CON Atlanta - Friday - 2:00 pm
Mono-Red PrisonMono-Red Prison ModernMono-Red Prison*HALF PRICE FRIDAY* $5K RCQ - Modern - SCG CON Atlanta - Friday - 1:00 pm
Jeskai TempoJeskai Tempo GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 14 2024
Gruul ComboGruul Combo GladiatorSword and Sandals Showdown: AM Week 15 2024

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Chandra Torch of Defiance’s second ability provides a stable option for card advantage in your deck. This powerful planeswalker gives you an additional card for each turn she’s on the field, solidifying your hand stability and keeping you ahead in the game.

Resource Acceleration: Chandra Torch of Defiance also contributes to an impressive resource acceleration. With her first ability adding two red mana to your pool, you get to accelerate your gameplay, bringing your more potent spells to the fore significantly quicker. This ability provides additional flexibility, opening up more strategic decisions during your game.

Instant Speed: Though Chandra Torch of Defiance isn’t an instant spell, her abilities can be activated at sorcery speed. With proper timing, this makes her a formidable opponent, essentially becoming an instant game changer. If you activate her abilities during your main phase, you can maintain control and dictate the flow of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Featuring no cards will concede the activation of Chandra Torch of Defiance’s loyalty abilities. This could be challenging, especially in the late game when having numerous options in hand is critical.

Specific Mana Cost: The casting necessity incorporates two specific red mana. This can restrict its adaptability in the deck and might not suit all deck types that do not include firings.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With the need of four mana to cast, there might be other alternatives that could deliver more for less. This makes the Chandra Torch of Defiance Card not as economical as other planeswalker cards.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Chandra Torch of Defiance is a versatile card, fitting seamlessly into a multitude of deck types. Its abilities provide a diversified toolset, allowing for resource ramp, damage output, and card draw.

Combo Potential: This card carries immense combo potential. Its ability to deal direct damage to players or creatures can be combined with other abilities to multiply the impact. Furthermore, the extra mana generated can be essential to perform powerful play sequences.

Meta-Relevance: Reflecting on the current meta game, Chandra Torch of Defiance occupies a distinct position. It offers a potent answer to control strategies, providing turn-by-turn advantage, thus making it a highly valuable addition to your MTG collection.


How to Beat

Overcoming the powerful Chandra, Torch of Defiance is no easy feat in Magic: The Gathering. This fiery Planeswalker sparks fear in adversaries with its dynamic abilities, akin to multifaceted spells like Kozilek’s Return or Spatial Contortion. To contrast, Chandra torch of Defiance broadens the battlefield with a spectrum of effects, whether it be undeviating damage to opponents or liberty to cast spells.

Similar to shrewd counterspells like Negate, which effortlessly aids in controlling the battlefield tempo, we can find our way around Chandra, Torch of Defiance. One tactical measure involves utilizing spells like Hero’s Downfall. While Hero’s Downfall is costlier considering its three mana cost, it is instant, giving birth to dynamic reactions against your opponent’s creatures or Planeswalker cards.

Furthermore, add cards such as Disdainful Stroke in your deck that explicitly counters target spell with converted mana cost four or greater, effectively handling Chandra, Torch of Defiance. Remember, Chandra, Torch of Defiance expands the game options, increased with the second activated ability. Therefore, use control-based strategies to offset Chandra’s momentum to ensure the battlefield tilts in your favor.


BurnMana Recommendations

Wrapping up our deep dive into Chandra Torch of Defiance, we recognize this card’s potential to ignite the spark of victory in your MTG games. With its unparalleled card advantage, resource acceleration, and potential to dictate game tempo, it remains a beacon for deck-builders aiming for dominance. Nevertheless, consider the hurdles such as deck constraints and the high mana cost that balance its fiery prowess. For those seeking to wield Chandra’s flame and for enthusiasts looking to enrich their collection with a versatile, meta-relevant card, let’s continue to explore and discuss the dynamic strategies she enables. Join our community where we share insights, tips, and the love of the game, ensuring that your MTG experience is always advancing.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Chandra, Torch of Defiance MTG card by a specific set like Magic Online Promos and Kaladesh, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Chandra, Torch of Defiance and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Chandra, Torch of Defiance Magic the Gathering card was released in 8 different sets between 2016-09-30 and 2023-08-04. Illustrated by 3 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12002-06-24Magic Online PromosPRM 709342015NormalBlackTerese Nielsen
22016-09-30KaladeshKLD 1102015NormalBlackMagali Villeneuve
32016-09-30Kaladesh PromosPKLD 110s2015NormalBlackMagali Villeneuve
42017-07-20San Diego Comic-Con 2017PS17 1102015NormalBlackVincent Proce
52018-07-19San Diego Comic-Con 2018PS18 1102015NormalBlackTerese Nielsen
62020-11-12Kaladesh RemasteredKLR 1172015NormalBlackMagali Villeneuve
72021-10-15Pioneer Challenger Decks 2021Q06 62015NormalBlackMagali Villeneuve
82023-08-04Commander MastersCMM 8762015NormalBlackMagali Villeneuve

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Chandra, Torch of Defiance has restrictions

FormatLegality
HistoricbrawlLegal
CommanderLegal
HistoricLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
ExplorerLegal
GladiatorLegal
PioneerLegal
TimelessLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Chandra, Torch of Defiance card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2016-09-20 An effect that instructs you to “cast” a card doesn't allow you to play lands. If the card exiled with Chandra's first ability is a land card, you can't play it and Chandra deals 2 damage to each opponent.
2016-09-20 Chandra's emblem's ability resolves before the spell that caused it to trigger.
2016-09-20 If you cast the exiled card, you do so as part of the resolution of Chandra's ability. You can't wait to cast it later in the turn. Timing permissions based on the card's type are ignored, but other restrictions (such as “Cast
-his card] only during combat”) are not.
2016-09-20 In a Two-Headed Giant game, Chandra's first ability causes 4 damage total to be dealt to the opposing team.
2016-09-20 Loyalty abilities can't be mana abilities. Chandra's second ability uses the stack and can be countered or otherwise responded to. Like all loyalty abilities, it can be activated only once per turn, during your main phase, when the stack is empty, and only if no other loyalty abilities of the planeswalker have been activated this turn.
2016-09-20 The emblem created by Chandra's last ability is colorless. The damage it deals is from a colorless source.
2016-09-20 You pay the costs for the exiled card if you cast it. You may pay alternative costs such as emerge rather than the card's mana cost.